CPAP Full Face Mask

User's guide to CPAP full face masks

The CPAP full
face mask is useful if you breathe through your mouth or your breathing
alternates regularly between your nose and mouth.

Full face CPAP masks cover both the mouth and the nose. They are prescribed especially if you are a mouth breather.

So, if you do think you are a mouth breather and don't think you can train yourself to breathe only through your nose, or if you often have a congested nose and must breathe through your mouth, you might want to consider a full face CPAP mask (one that covers nose and mouth).

Full face masks seem to be harder to get to fit properly and to seal than nasal masks, that's a potential drawback, but not very difficult in most cases.

To help you get an easier therapy, in this page you'll learn how to properly fit different types of CPAP full face masks.

Full Face Masks Are Useful For Mouth Breathers

Why is so important to wear a CPAP full face mask when you breathe through your mouth?

Well, the answer is simple: when you sleep with a nasal mask, but you breathe with your mouth open, the pressure from your CPAP escapes through the mouth.

If this happens, the therapy with CPAP becomes ineffective as the pressure intended to hold your airway open flows out through your mouth.

A CPAP full face mask prevents the air to escape, so the sleep apnea therapy is not affected by mouth leaks.

The Components of CPAP Full Face Mask

A full face mask has a triangular shape. It seals around both the nose and mouth, and is held in place with headgear.

The mask also contains a hard plastic frame which keeps a softer inner cushion in place. This cuhion lies against the face and has an important role in maintaining a good seal and comfort.

The mask also has a head gear which consists of straps and sometimes a forehead brace.

CPAP Mask Parts Reimbursement

According to the reimbursement schedule from the Center for Medicare and
Medicaid Services, CPAP full face mask cushions can be replaced every
30 days, but a complete full face mask with headgear should be replaced
every 6 months.

The Function of CPAP Full Face Mask

The function of CPAP face mask is to equalize the pressure between the nose and mouth, allowing you to receive the proper treatment pressure every time you wear it.

ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask

The Ultra Mirage mask is a great solution if you have frequent nasal congestion or it can be useful to have on hand in case you catch a cold or have bothersome allergies.

This mask also uses a dual cushion which is an improved design and material that will help for a better seal and it will increase the comfort during sleep.

Here is a video introduction to Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask:

Mirage Quattro and Ultra Mirage masks have dual cushions that helps improve the sealing to your face. However, there are challenges to fit a dual cushion mask. Here are some tips to help you achieve a better seal:

How to Fit Your Dual Cushion CPAP Full Face Mask

Even if they are effective, the masks with dual cushion are difficult to
use. If you want to use it properly and fix the mask leaks, here is
what you should do:

Dual wall cushions need to be inflated to seal properly to the face.

Put your mask on your face with straps loose.

Turn on your machine to full pressure.

Lay down in your bed with your head on your pillow in your normal
sleeping position. Then and only then, gently tighten the straps JUST
UNTIL you get a good seal.

With dual cushion masks, there should be no reason to over tighten
the straps. In fact, one of the best features of dual wall cushion masks
is that they seal well even when worn loose!

Once your mask is properly fitted for your sleeping position, you
need to “seat” or inflate the cushion. Pull the mask straight out from
your face about an inch or two to let the mask inflate, then gently lay
it back down on your face.

You may have to repeat this until it feels comfortable on your face, but you will know by feel, when it has inflated and seals.

Please note that if you want to have an effective treatment with CPAP, choosing your CPAP mask is the most important thing.

The good candidates for CPAP full face mask are persons with prominent head and facial contours. However, you should also take into consideration the size of your nose, to prevent any irritation of the skin.

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